Hospice Growth Consulting: How and Where to Start

Growth in hospice care can mean many things. It might be a higher census, a stronger team, or simply more reliable systems that allow for better care. But regardless of what growth looks like for your agency, the reality is that doing it well takes planning, clarity, and the right kind of support.

This article takes a look at how outside guidance can support hospice agencies working through growth. It’s not a pitch. It’s a set of ideas for those trying to run a better operation, serve more families, and keep everything on track.

Why Growth Needs Structure

Expanding without a plan creates chaos. If systems aren’t in place, even a small bump in referrals can stretch a team too thin. This is especially true when staff are already working at full capacity.

Instead of scrambling to catch up, a better approach is to ask: What would it take to be ready before the growth comes?

That’s where some leaders bring in consulting support.

What Good Consultants Do

Consultants are not a magic fix. But the right one can help agencies see things more clearly. Here’s where they tend to be helpful:

Planning with Purpose

Growth should match your values and your capacity. Consultants help lay out what’s possible, what isn’t, and what needs to happen first.

Adjusting Daily Operations

Many hospice agencies already have strong staff and solid intentions. What’s often missing are small systems tweaks—better intake flow, clearer documentation practices, faster response time to referrals. These kinds of changes can improve the patient experience without overloading your team.

Staying on Top of Rules

Medicare requirements change. So do state regulations and survey expectations. Consultants help review records, spot risk areas, and make sure your team is ready for whatever comes next.

Helping with Systems

Agencies often pay for software that doesn’t get used well. Sometimes it’s the wrong fit. Other times, it’s a training issue. Consultants can help assess the tools you’re using and whether they support your daily work.

Supporting Your Team

Whether it’s managers, nurses, or back office staff, everyone needs a chance to grow their skill set. Outside support can include staff training, onboarding help, or mentoring for newer leaders.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Consultant

Not every consultant works the same way. Before signing on, ask:

• Have they worked specifically with hospice teams?

• Do they offer recommendations based on your needs, not just their process?

• Can they show results from past work?

• Do they understand both care delivery and business operations?

• Will they work alongside your team or just give you a binder?

A More Thoughtful Approach to Growth

There’s a lot of pressure in this field. Pressure to take more patients. Pressure to pass surveys. Pressure to stay afloat.

But doing more doesn’t always mean doing better.

That’s why it helps to step back, ask the hard questions, and bring in help if it makes sense. Growth is not just a metric. It’s a reflection of how well you’ve prepared.

About Advanced Hospice Solutions

We work with hospice providers around the country who want to improve how they run their agencies. Whether it’s documentation, training, leadership support, or operations, we focus on helping teams move forward with confidence.

If you want to talk about where you’re headed and what you might need to get there, we’re happy to provide a complimentary needs analysis.